Science Hill to build momentum on faculty recruits

Yale's science and math departments recently inched their way into the highest echelon of national research universities--and the University is making sure they stay at the top. Science Hill departments have stepped up efforts to recruit outstanding faculty, as evidenced by Yale's recent fourth place ranking in Science Watch.

PATRICK MCGARVEY/YH EVEN BETTER: In addition to enjoying positive results from increased recruiting, Science Hill will benefit from future renovations.

"Yale has a history of not really backing its science departments, and it takes a long time to reverse the effects of that history," Donald Crothers, JE '58, chair of the chemistry department, said. "In this tough, competitive business, I think that we're doing very well. We can go head to head, toe to toe with most departments in the nation when we are recruiting the same faculty members."

Sean Barrett, assistant professor of physics, saw his Yale career as an example of the University's greater efforts to attract
faculty. "As a young professor in the sciences, the University has been very good to me," he said. "I had other places I could have gone, and I wouldn't have come here if [Yale] wasn't a place for me to do great things in the sciences."

The math department has been the most successful on Science Hill. "Within the last two years, we hired a Fields Medal winner [Efim Zelmanov] and several other good faculty members," math professor Robert Sczcarba said. "We are now looking into some other appointments which will make the department that much stronger if we are successful. But we've made consistently strong appointments over the years and we've improved our standings in the rankings very nicely." Assistant math professor Stephen Miller added, "The entire math world is envious of Yale's recruitment. In the last five or six years, we've done better than anyone in the world."

The University also plans to renovate Science Hill, which would further entice prospective faculty to come to Yale. President Levin, GRD '74, confirmed, "We'll be rebuilding Science Hill." He thought that the renovations would be an important next step, especially for the chemistry department. "Yale has made a commitment to rebuilding Science Hill and its facilities, and because of that, I am optimistic," chemistry professor Andrew Hamilton said. "The discussion about it, however, has been going on for some time, and the discussions must wind up quickly so that the buildings can be renovated or the new construction can be initiated in the near future."

Hamilton stressed that rejuvenation of departments who have older faculty or
have lost key personnel over the years
should play a greater role in future recruiting. "There's a critical mass issue," he explained. "In order to maintain the quality of research at a level of international prominence, it's vital to see opportunities to expand departments and subdisciplines in areas that are evolving."

According to Barrett, Yale cannot rest on the laurels of the famous names who once taught here. "There have been famous scientists throughout history who have been giants in their fields," he said. "The fact that they were here at one point gives people a general warm and fuzzy feeling about Yale sciences. But we need the excellent faculty to keep the best undergraduates and graduates coming here."

Members of the chemistry department said that it had been successful in recruiting young faculty and in promoting junior faculty to tenured positions. "Last year, we promoted three junior faculty members to tenured positions," chemistry professor Peter Brudvig said. "I think that's the first time we've been able to promote so many
junior faculty in one year. It's a reflection of the fact that we recruited some really outstanding people."

Although he acknowledged the importance of revitalization, Brudvig cautioned against rapid hiring of new faculty. Speaking of his department, he said, "We're looking to fill all the vacancies, but not all at the same time. If we start three faculty at the same time, it's difficult to find space and resources for all of them at the same time, so we want to stagger the hiring."

Most Yale scientists are overwhelmingly positive about the fate of Yale's science and math departments and appreciate the University's decision to improve and support Science Hill. "Yale has definitely made a significant commitment to the sciences," Hamilton said. "The speed of the process
is not necessarily what would be desired, but there are clearly improvements to be made in the infrastructure and facilities of the science departments, and those are forthcoming."

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